Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has called upon residents of the capital to vote for Awami League in the December 30 general election, so that the party may build a charming Dhaka with modern amenities after returning to power.
The prime minister also promised to introduce a subway service in the capital, to end the nagging issue of traffic congestion.
"A feasibility study for the underground train service has already been started. We will introduce the subway train service throughout the city of Dhaka," she said while addressing an election campaign rally at the Youth Club ground in Gulshan-2 on Friday, reports UNB.
The rally was organized by the Dhaka North City unit of Awami League.
Sheikh Hasina said her government has constructed flyovers in Dhaka and started work on the metro rail and elevated expressway with the aim of overcoming traffic congestion in the capital.
She also said her government would construct multi-storey apartment buildings for slum dwellers and people in the low and middle income groups, so they do not have to live in misery. “They may live there while paying rent on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.”
“A number of projects have been taken. We will implement them after returning to power to benefit the people of Bangladesh, not to make our own fortunes,” she added.
Furthermore, the prime minister said her government would create a 100ft canal along the 300ft Road, to enhance the beauty of Dhaka while simultaneously easing traffic congestion.
“Electricity lines and power substations will also be put underground to improve Dhaka’s appearance,” she added.
The prime minister reiterated that votes for Awami League would help achieve Bangabandhu’s vision of a Golden Bengal, as her government would work to eradicate poverty and complete ongoing mega projects such as the Padma Bridge, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, and Karnaphuli Tunnel
Criticizing BNP for unleashing violence in 2013, 2014 and 2015, she questioned how those who do not see people as human beings can seek votes for the sheaf of paddy. “If they had the least sense of humanity, they would not have burnt people alive through arson attacks.”
She also said BNP had made Bangladesh “the world champion in corruption” on five occasions.
“Both sons of Khaleda Zia siphoned money off from the country, and their misdeeds were detected abroad. Awami League did not open a Hawa Bhaban for corruption,” she added.
The prime minister further said voting for sheaf of paddy means corruption, bomb attacks, militancy, money laundering, and the embezzlement of orphan money. “Voting for boat means progress, development, independence, improvement of the people's lives, and people's welfare. I appeal to you to make us victorious through your votes, giving us the opportunity to serve you.”
Regarding the Holey Artisan Bakery attack, Sheikh Hasina said the government dealt with militants with an iron fist after the incident. “There is no room for militancy and terrorism on Bangladeshi soil.”
She also urged parents, guardians, and teachers to always be well-informed of their children's whereabouts and activities.
"We have to protect the youth from militancy and drugs," she said.
The prime minister also introduced her party’s candidates for the constituencies of Dhaka in the upcoming 11th parliamentary polls.
Sheikh Hasina introduced candidate Salman F Rahman for Dhaka 1 constituency, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal for Dhaka 12, Sadek Khan for Dhaka 13, Md Elias Uddin Mollah for Dhaka 16, Akbar Hossain Faruk for Dhaka 17, Advocate Shahara Khatun for Dhaka 18, Kamal Ahmed Majumder for Dhaka 15, Aslamul Haque for Dhaka 14, and AKM Rahmatullah for Dhaka 11after bringing them on the stage.